What should have been a friendly and fun swim in the water ended with a triathlete going missing. Now, authorities believe a shark killed her.
The incident happened in Monterey, California. Despite being an exceptional swimmer, 55-year-old Erica Fox disappeared during a swim. Authorities theorize that a shark attacked and dragged her away.
The triathlete had been participating in a weekly swim with the Kelp Krawlers in the Pacific Grove club. However, their swim didn't go according to plan. The group says it heard a large splash before the triathlete disappeared. According to KSBW, this led authorities to believe a shark attacked and killed the triathlete.
Triathlete Disappears: Was It A Shark?
While the rest of the swimmers were accounted for, Fox was missing after the swim. Search and rescue has sadly suspended looking for Fox. Though a shark attack hasn't been confirmed, there's been no sign of the triathlete.
"She was an extraordinary athlete. When something like that happens, it's either because the water is too cold or a shark. Because she's such an experienced swimmer, I knew what happened," a member of the group said. "She was very competitive. Did triathlons. She was a very good soul, beat all the guys. She was very competitive."
"She'll be missed," the former member continued.
Meanwhile, authorities weighed in on the tragic disappearance of the triathlete. The Coast Guard offered condolences to friends and family during this difficult time.
"The Coast Guard extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic incident," said Coast Guard Capt. Jordan Baldueza.
The incident happened on Sunday. It wasn't the first time something like this happened if it was a shark. In 2022, the site experienced another shark attack. 62-year-old Steve Bruemmer suffered a bite on the leg. He barely survived that incident.
